According to the Canada Safety Council, the real danger in eating snow is the large amount of bacteria it contains. The CSC analyzed 20 samples of snow from around the world and found high bacteria levels in all samples. The most abundant bacteria was Pseudomonas syringae, a bacteria that causes diseases in beans and tomatoes. The amount of bacteria in snow is comparable to the amount of bacteria children are exposed to when they play in dirt.

Even fresh snow cones or other snow treats should not be harmful if, like other desserts, they are enjoyed in moderation.

Thanks for that info - helpful & makes me happy to know as I let my kids play in dirt all summer.

The only reason I avoid the snow eating is the HUGE number of dogs that do their business on our side/front yard, and the rabbit/cat droppings that are scattered throughout our hedged-in backyard. Otherwise I wouldn't care, but my 1 & 2yr olds just aren't old enough/aware enough to notice if they scoop something gross in a mouthful.

Did you read the link provided by Joyful Tie Dyes? It isn't a big deal if kids eat snow.

Taken from the link:

The amount of bacteria in snow is comparable to the amount of bacteria children are exposed to when they play in dirt.

Making a meal out of snow exposes you to excessive bacteria and potential hazards. Consumed in large quantities, snow can drop your core body temperature. Snow caught from the sky should not harm a child. Even fresh snow cones or other snow treats should not be harmful if, like other desserts, they are enjoyed in moderation.

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Depends. When we go to upstate NY where the fresh snow is 5 ft. deep and untouched way out in the country where I'm from. Sure. When we get a couple of inches in our NC yard where our dog and chickens wander. No way!

Did you read the link provided by Joyful Tie Dyes? It isn't a big deal if kids eat snow.

Taken from the link:

The amount of bacteria in snow is comparable to the amount of bacteria children are exposed to when they play in dirt.

Making a meal out of snow exposes you to excessive bacteria and potential hazards. Consumed in large quantities, snow can drop your core body temperature. Snow caught from the sky should not harm a child. Even fresh snow cones or other snow treats should not be harmful if, like other desserts, they are enjoyed in moderation.

ahh, no didn't read the whole thing LOL. Good to know. My kids have caught the occasional snowflake on their tongues. I've always discouraged them from eating it from the ground.